Kaiser’s spotted newt with the scientific name Neurergus Kaiseri also known as emperor spotted Newt is a species of very unique and rich in color salamanders endemic to the southern Zagros Mountains in Iran.
Kaiser’s spotted newt with the scientific name Neurergus Kaiseri also known as the Luristan newt or emperor spotted Newt (not to be confused with Tylototriton shanjing), is a species of very colorful salamanders in the Salamandridae family. It is the smallest of the Neurergus species an amphibious endemic to the southern Zagros Mountains in Iran, with an adult length of 10-14 cm. As of 2005, the IUCN Redbook listed N. kaiseri as Critically Endangered. The coloration of this species is unique and rich in contrast, with a mosaic of black and white patches and orange-red dorsal stripe, legs, and belly.
N. kaiseri has a reputation for being a shy, skittish species. When aquatic, however, the animals usually lose their flighty behavior and may even beg for food. When terrestrial, the newts spend the day under the lower hides and at night will forage for food amongst upper hides and open spaces. The animals generally avoid light and are active in low light and at night.
As of 2005, the IUCN Redbook listed N. kaiseri as Critically Endangered. The Global Amphibian Assessment cites the following evidence: "Its extent of occurrence is less than 100 km², its area of occupancy is less than 10 km², it's populations are severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, as well as a decline in the number of mature individuals due to over harvesting for the illegal pet trade". It is believed that less than 1000 adults exist in nature.
“I said, ‘What about my eyes?’ God said,‘Keep them on the road.’”
Hafiz